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Houston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer
40 Years of Experience- Hundreds of Millions Won No Fees Unless We Win
Compassionate Legal Help for Spinal Cord Injuries
Did someone else’s careless actions cause a spinal cord injury to you or a loved one? We know how much this can change your life. Baumgartner Law Firm is ready to help you in this tough time. Our lawyers have seen how bad spinal cord injuries can be. They can cause loss of body function or full paralysis. These injuries often need care and help for many years. We are here for you.
For over 40 years, we’ve helped Houston-area families explore their legal options, pursue compensation, and seek justice in spinal cord injury cases. We’re committed to helping you understand your rights and confidently take the next steps.
Injured in a Preventable Accident? Our Houston Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer Can Help
Since 1985, our firm has had a proven track record of securing significant settlements and verdicts in catastrophic injury cases, including those involving spinal trauma.
We understand the long-term physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries can take, and we fight aggressively to hold responsible parties accountable.
Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION.
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ABOUT GREG BAUMGARTNER
A Passion For Justice. The Experience For Win.
Greg Baumgartner, the founder of Baumgartner Law Firm, has spent the last 40 years helping accident victims. Greg is top-rated in personal injury and wrongful death cases, with a perfect 10 AVVO rating and is recognized as one of the best personal injury lawyers in Texas. He has won millions for accident victims in Houston and across Texas. You will not find a more experienced injury attorney. Greg holds dual law degrees and is also a graduate of the Trial Lawyers College.
You will not be a case number to us. Our legal team will treat you like family. We will use our personal injury law experience and winning record to maximize your compensation, We have the expertise and resources to handle the most difficult cases. Contact our law firm and let us fight for your financial compensation.
Call us 24/7. Let’s start fighting together,
Greg Baumgartner
CEO of Baumgartner Law Firm
Recent Spine Injury Cases Won by Baumgartner Law Firm
The amount of compensation you can receive for a spine injury can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of your case. Here are some examples of spine injury results we have achieved to give you an idea of what to expect in your spinal cord injury claim:
3 Million
A 42-year-old man suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident that required surgery.
5 Million
A 55-year-old man received a settlement after a commercial vehicle accident with a spinal cord injury.
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Contact the Undefeated Spinal Cord injuries Attorney in Houston with Decades of Expertise and a Proven Track Record
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit for Spinal Injury in Texas?
In Texas, you must bring a personal injury lawsuit within two years of the accident for a spinal cord injury. If the statute of limitations passes before you have filed your case, you will be stopped from seeking compensation for your damages. You should act as soon as possible by retaining a reputable attorney to pursue compensation.
Leading Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often occur due to sudden trauma or extreme force applied to the back or neck. These injuries can happen in a variety of accidents where the body experiences a violent impact or abrupt stop. Common sources include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents: Crashes involving cars or trucks frequently result in spinal injuries. The force of a collision can cause the spine to twist, hyperextend, or compress, leading to broken vertebrae, herniated discs, or damage to the cord itself.
Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Accidents: People riding motorcycles or bicycles—or those traveling on foot—are particularly vulnerable. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, the impact from a crash or being thrown to the ground can severely injure the spine.
Workplace and Construction Site Accidents: Hazardous work environments, especially construction zones, often contribute to many spinal cord injuries. These can result from falls, equipment malfunctions, being struck by heavy objects, or accidents involving machinery and vehicles.
Falls From Heights and Slip-and-Fall Incidents: Falls are a major contributor to spinal injuries across all age groups. Whether it’s slipping on a wet surface or falling from a ladder, the jarring impact on the spine can lead to serious trauma, especially in vulnerable populations like children and older people.
Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
It is a myth that X-rays show all spinal cord injuries – they do not. More advanced tests, such as an MRI or a CT scan, are often necessary to diagnose certain neck and back injuries accurately.
Doctors typically attempt conservative treatment before ordering an MRI to avoid the excess expense. This can lead to a delay in the correct diagnosis after an automobile accident.
It is crucial to understand that treatment for spinal cord injury begins right at the scene of an accident. Immediate medical attention and early treatment steps are essential to minimize trauma effects, maintain breathing, and prevent shock.
Regularly, we see injuries such as bulging discs and herniated discs as a result of serious car accidents. However, the injury is usually diagnosed after a CT Scan or an MRI, which can reveal severe spinal damage. Most spinal cord injuries require extensive medical expenses and physical therapy.
Personal injury attorneys frequently see fractures and herniated discs after a car accident.
Methods Used to Diagnose Spinal Cord Injury
Diagnosing a spinal cord injury involves a thorough physical examination, a detailed medical history, and a series of diagnostic tests. During the physical exam, doctors check the patient’s movement, feelings, and reflexes to help them understand how serious the injury is. Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis and determining the severity of the injury.
Common diagnostic tests for spinal cord injuries include:
- X-rays: These are often the first imaging tests performed to check for fractures or abnormalities in the spine
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scans: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional spine images, helping identify bone and soft tissue injuries.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans: MRIs offer detailed images of the spinal cord.
Treatment for Spinal Cord Injuries
The treatment of spinal cord injuries varies depending on the level and severity of the injury. In the early stages, prompt medical attention is crucial. It stabilizes the spine, reduces pressure on the spinal cord, and fixes damaged vertebrae or discs. Surgical procedures may be necessary to achieve these goals.
In the subacute phase, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and recovery. This may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of rehab. These help the patient regain movement and independence. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to the individual’s needs and may include exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and coordination.
In the chronic phase, ongoing medical care and rehab are important. They help manage the long-term effects of the injury. This may include managing pain, treating issues such as pressure ulcers and urinary tract infections, and providing respiratory support. People with spinal cord injuries may need assistive devices. They may also need adjustments to their living space, which can help enhance their quality of life.
If you or someone you care about has a spinal cord injury, it is very important to get medical help right away. Additionally, contacting a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer can help you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for your injuries and ensure that you receive the necessary medical care and rehabilitation to recover.
Resources for Finding an Orthopedic Doctor in Houston for Your Spine Injury
The following are highly rated Houston hospitals with orthopedic specialists:
- Houston Methodist
- Memorial Hermann
- Texas Orthopedic Hospital specializes in treating various types of spinal cord injuries.
Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries
A spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious event. It disrupts how the spinal cord works. This can cause a loss of movement, feeling, or automatic functions in some body parts. The spinal cord is an important part of the central nervous system. It sends messages between the brain and the body. Spinal cord injuries can be classified into two main types: complete and incomplete.
A complete spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is fully cut, leading to a total loss of movement and feeling below the injury site. An incomplete spinal cord injury means the spinal cord is only partly damaged, allowing some motor and sensory functions to remain below the injury site.
Further classification of spinal cord injuries is based on the level of the injury:
- Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries (C1-C8): These injuries occur in the neck region and can lead to quadriplegia or tetraplegia, affecting all four limbs and the torso.
- Thoracic Spinal Cord Injuries (T1-T12): These injuries occur in the chest region and can result in paraplegia, impacting the lower half of the body.
- Lumbar Spinal Cord Injuries (L1-L5): These injuries occur in the lower back and can cause weakness or paralysis in the legs.
- Sacral Spinal Cord Injuries (S1-S5): These injuries occur in the pelvic region and can lead to loss of bladder and bowel control.
Knowing the type and severity of a spinal cord injury is important. This helps in deciding the right treatment and rehabilitation plan.
Treating and Dealing With a Spinal Cord Injury?
Signs of a spinal cord injury often appear within minutes after an accident. However, some symptoms may not show up for days or weeks. The accident victim’s health may deteriorate as ongoing fluctuations in cerebral blood flow and pressure build inside the skull.
Spinal cord injuries can negatively affect the victim’s emotional, cognitive, and physical condition before, during, and after rehabilitation therapy. They may need a wheelchair to get around. They may also require assistance with daily activities. Medications may be necessary for health issues caused by the injury. Some individuals may even require around-the-clock nursing care.
If the victim is the sole provider for a family, they will need financial assistance to cover living, hospital, home care, medication, and therapy costs. Out-of-pocket expenses and medical bills add up quickly in Houston, Texas.
This is one of the many reasons to contact a Houston spinal cord injury lawyer immediately. If you or someone you know has a spinal cord injury, it is important to get help quickly. Spine injury victims should get help quickly after an accident.
Insurance adjusters often dispute spine injury claims. Therefore, it is recommended that you get an experienced personal injury attorney for such injuries.
How to Maximize Your Houston Spine Injury Damages
If you have suffered a spine injury, maximizing your compensation is essential. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your spine injury settlement:
Seek Medical Treatment Immediately
The first and most crucial step after a spine injury is to seek medical treatment. This is important for your health. It also keeps a record of your injuries. This record can be used as evidence in your case. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. If you don’t do this, the insurance company can argue that your injuries are not as serious as you say.
Keep Detailed Records
To support your compensation claim, keep detailed records of all medical expenses. Also, track lost wages and other costs related to your spine injury. This includes receipts, medical bills, and pay stubs. You should keep a journal about your pain and suffering. Write about how your injury affects your daily life. Include any emotional distress you have felt.
Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Spine Injury Claim
Handling a spine injury case can be complex and overwhelming, especially with insurance companies. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. A personal injury lawyer knows how to negotiate with insurance companies. They will fight for your rights. They will also have access to resources and experts who can help strengthen your case.
Don’t Settle Too Early
Insurance companies may offer a quick settlement to avoid a lengthy legal battle. However, it’s essential not to settle too quickly, as you may be entitled to more compensation than initially offered. Consult with a personal injury lawyer before accepting any settlement offers to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Who’s Liable for Your Spinal Cord Injury?
Spinal injuries can result from many accidents, and multiple parties may be held legally responsible. Potentially liable parties include:
- Negligent drivers
- Commercial truck operators and trucking companies
- Manufacturers of defective equipment or vehicles
- Property owners who failed to maintain safe premises
Proving Negligence: The Four Key Elements
To hold someone accountable, your attorney must prove:
- Duty of Care – The responsible party owes you a legal duty (e.g., a driver must obey traffic laws; a landlord must keep common areas safe to prevent spinal damage).
- Breach of Duty – They failed to act reasonably (e.g., running a red light, failing to fix a known hazard).
- Causation – Their actions directly caused your injury. Medical evidence and witness testimony often help establish this link.
- Damages – You suffered measurable harm, like medical costs or loss of income, as well as pain and suffering.
Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You may be barred from recovering damages if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault. If you’re less than 51% responsible, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
Liability and damages in spinal injury cases are complex. Speaking with a qualified personal injury lawyer ensures you understand your rights and don’t leave money on the table.
What Compensation Can I Get for a Spinal Cord Injury in Texas?
If someone else’s negligence caused your spinal cord injury, you may be eligible to pursue significant compensation. Texas doesn’t place broad limits on personal injury damages (except in rare cases), so your recovery can reflect the full impact of your injury.
Economic Damages
Non-Economic Damages
Punitive Damages
These cover the direct financial losses you’ve suffered, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses (surgeries, rehab, medications)
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Reduced earning potential if your injury limits your ability to work in the future
Medical bills, wage statements, and employment records typically support these damages in a spinal cord injury claim.
These account for the personal and emotional toll of a spinal injury, including types of spinal cord injuries:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Limitations on daily activities, like driving or caring for family
These damages recognize that an injury affects more than just your finances.
While less common, punitive damages may be available if the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for your safety. An experienced attorney can evaluate whether your case qualifies for this type of award.
The Cost of Spine Injury Treatment in Houston, TX
The University of Alabama, in a recent study, cited the average medical bills of spinal cord injury to be:
- Length of initial hospital care (acute care)- 15 days
- Average rehab stay- 44 days
- Initial hospital costs- $140,000
- First-year expenses (all groups of spinal cord injury) $198,000, highlighting the significant financial burden many spinal cord injuries can cause.
- Percentage of Spinal Cord injury victims unemployed eight years later- 63%
- Percent covered by private insurance -52%
These figures are national averages, and larger metropolitan areas such as Houston have significantly higher medical care costs associated with severe spinal injuries. The costs for spine surgery vary by location. Some of our cases have lifetime medical care, projected to be several million dollars. In addition to lost income, families can easily be financially devastated by the accident, not to mention the pain and suffering. An injured person suffering from a spinal cord injury faces a substantial financial burden due to these high costs.
Fortunately, Houston has some of the finest physicians in the world, is on the cutting edge of spinal cord injury care, and options that were unavailable ten years ago exist today.
Baumgartner Law Firm
Call an Award-Winning Spinal Cord Injury
Attorney in Houston for Help
Talk with a top-rated Spinal Cord Injury lawyer by calling (281) 587-1111
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What Is a Fractured Vertebra?
Spinal cord injuries frequently involve one or more fractured vertebrae, severing or damaging the spinal cord. Accident victims suffering a fractured vertebra almost immediately experience excruciating pain, numbness, and tingling in the back and legs, and sometimes unconsciousness.
Muscles, ligaments, discs, and bones protect the spinal cord. However, it can be seriously damaged if even a small part of the vertebra is harmed.
Common reasons for a fractured vertebra include being crushed or trampled. This can happen from vehicle tires, crowds, or heavy objects falling on the back. It can also occur from a strong spine extension, like in severe whiplash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Houston Spinal Cord Injury FAQs
If you or a loved one suffered a Spinal Cord injury, you are sure to have questions and concerns. The best way to answer your questions is to call us for a free consultation. Here are a few questions that our experienced Houston Spinal Cord injury attorney is frequently asked.
Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Why Get an MRI if You Have Spine Pain After an Accident?
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Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy
Houston, Texas 77069
(281) 587-1111
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